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Aug 17, 2018 at 12:01 AMAug 17, 2018 at 6:12 PM

The Palm Beach Town Council on Wednesday allowed a 14-foot-2-inch sculpture crafted by Winston Churchill’s granddaughter to remain in The Society of the Four Arts’ Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden. But not before several members scolded the organization for violating town codes when Edwina Sandys’ Eve’s Apple was installed in April.

Council president Danielle Moore said that the Four Arts, which is a landmarked property, should have known what was required after going through the lengthy approval process for the renovation of the Gioconda and Joseph King Library.

"I’m not sure ignorance is a reasonable excuse, but I am sure you will work it out," said Moore, who is a Four Arts member.

Read the original story here.

Council member Bobbie Lindsay, another Four Arts member, agreed. "Begging forgiveness instead of asking for permission is not a good way for a prestigious organization to go," she said.

MORE PHOTOS: Eve's Apple sculpture by Edwina Sandys

Bryan Donahue of Insite Studio, who represented the Four Arts, said the organization didn’t realize that a temporary installation would require approvals. The sculpture, which is on loan from the artist, is scheduled to be removed in June.

Installing an outdoor sculpture taller than 6 feet on a landmarked property requires the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s approval. Sculptures taller than 12 feet require a variance from the Town Council. In addition, the Four Arts needed the council to approve a special exception and a site plan, because it’s in a part of town zoned for single-family homes. All outdoor sculptures must secure a building permit.

The Four Arts slipped up on all those steps.

The council unanimously approved the Four Arts’ belated requests, as the landmarks board recommended when it met July 18.

On July 19, the Code Enforcement Board gave the organization until Oct. 16 to rectify the violations or face a possible $250-a-day fine. The Four Arts is scheduled to return to the landmarks board Monday for its final approval. Once that’s done the Four Arts can request a building permit.